Arequipa is called the "white city" because much of the original city was constructed of "sillar" a whitish volcanic stone deposited by the neighboring volcanoes. Stone carving reached its height here in the 17th century as evidenced by the work on La Compania, a Jesuit church just off the Plaza de Armas, the center of the city. It's still a gathering place for Arequipenos. There were a few tourists in evidence but the majority of the denizens were locals and of a much more indigenous nature than where we live in Lima. Lots of people on the streets, lots of activity and even a great Last Supper Thursday night street celebration thrown in.
We are now back in Lima and daily life.